This week, we welcome back our former club member Kevin Morris as our guest speaker. Kevin, President of Holly and Smith Architects, will be telling us about the restoration of St. Louis Cathedral he and his architecture firm have been working on. St. Louis Cathedral, one of New Orleans' most iconic landmarks in the heart of the French Quarter, is one of the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States. Since 1727 New Orleanians have worshipped in churches at the site. Some interesting history of St. Louis Cathedral can be found here.
A little about Kevin, for those that may not know... As a licensed professional with 28 years of diverse experience, Kevin’s tenacity has led the team to successfully complete many technically-sophisticated and logistically-challenging projects throughout southeast Louisiana. With an inability to sit still, Kevin is actively involved in numerous facets of a project’s development, including Programming, Planning, Design, Production, and Construction Administration. He is passionate about design and unusually committed to seeking simple, creative, and elegant solutions.
Kevin’s personality and infectious sense of humor make him an ideal candidate for leading H/S in the arena of Marketing and Business Development. His technical knowledge and experience have earned him respect and a great rapport with many colleagues throughout the architectural and construction community.
In the profession, Mr. Morris is actively involved in the AIA, having served previously in numerous State and local level positions. He maintains NCARB certifications as well as various technical certifications for the Construction Specification Institute. As a faith-driven person, Kevin is a member of Legatus New Orleans and serves on the Board of Directors for Manresa House of Retreats as Secretary. He is actively involved with his local church parish and serves weekly in the Music Ministry and special events. Additionally, he is a member of The Green Project of New Orleans, serving on the Board of Directors as the Vice President.
If that wasn’t enough, his professional career and spiritual life are counterbalanced by his family engagement and involvement in just about everything, including – music, fishing, golf, volleyball, cooking, and automotive repair.
WELCOME
The Board is pleased to announce TWO new members to our club!
Last week we formally welcomed Bob Stevens, sponsored by Harold Buchler, into the club. Bob is the President of The Stevens Realty Group, a real estate brokerage and property management business that specializes in commercial real estate. Bob is joining as a corporate member, so you may see his son Rob Stevens in his place. Bob is married to his wife, Kathy. He has 3 kids (Ashley, Rob and Brigitte) and 8 grandkids, and is a big fan of the New Orleans Pelicans!
Second is Kenneth "Ken" Rafferty, a transfer member from the New Orleans club. If the name sounds familiar, it's because Ken is the father of Alex Rafferty! Ken is the Area General Manager for NOLA Hotel Group, a full-service hotel management company that offers a variety of services related to hotel development and management. Ken is married to his wife, Tina. He also has 3 kids, Alex, Will and Tyler. Ken was born and raised in Pass Christian, MS, and has previously lived in Princeton, NJ, and Baton Rouge, LA, where he was a member of the Baton Rouge Rotary club.
Welcome Bob and Ken!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Last week we were joined by Julia Kumari Drapkin, CEO and Founder of ISeeChange, telling us about how her company connects people to their changing environments and develops solutions together. With ISeeChange Projects, local communities and partners work together to study and address climate challenges in their own neighborhoods and cities. Projects are typically led by cities, engineers, educators, researchers, and local organizations. They build infrastructure, conduct research, create solutions, increase climate literacy and more.
UPCOMING SERVICE
Blood Drive at The Blood Center during the month of January. Sign up to donate at your convenience. Blood donations are urgently needed.
Second Harvest Community Kitchen on February 23. Click here for more information.
NOMMS Golf Tournament is happening on April 5th. The Club is offering a 50/50 for members who wish to play in the tournament. If you're not a golfer and want to help out, they are in need of volunteers for the day of the tournament. Reach out to Tom Kennedy for more information.
We want and need suggestions from you on speakers for future RCOM luncheons. Please send all of your suggestions to Clif Rhodes at clifton031643@yahoo.com. Or, you can reach Clif by phone at 952-994-7345.
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